The skins of cattle represent considerable value if properly treated. To save them in the north where cold weather prevails during the butchering season is not difficult, as they can be rolled up and kept frozen until disposed of. However, in the warm seasons, they should be spread out flat, hair side down, the legs, flanks, etc. stretched, and all parts rubbed thoroughly with salt. Particular pains should be taken to treat the entire surface of the skin. If more than one skin is to be salted, they should be salted one at a time and should be spread one on top of the other, with the hair sides together, and the skin sides together. Where only one hide is handled, the legs and head should be folded in and the hide rolled up. Enough salt should be used to cure the hide thoroughly if it is to be kept for any length of time. Ten to twelve pounds of salt will be sufficient for an ordinary hide. Killing and Dressing Sheep Much of the sheepy flavor of mutton comes from the generation of gases in the stomach after the sheep is killed. For this reason, the sheep should always be dressed as rapidly as possible. A platform about eighteen inches high is convenient to work on and aids in keeping the blood away from the body, insuring a cleaner carcass. A clean, dry place is necessary for neat work. Water or blood on the wool makes it very difficult to dress the animal nicely. § 30. Stunning and Bleeding If the sheep is an old one, it may be stunned before bleeding. If a young one, the same purpose is served by dislocating the neck. This is accomplished by putting one hand on top of the head or poll and the other hand under the chin and giving a sharp twist upward. Then lay the sheep on its side on the platform, with its head hanging over one end. Grasp the chin in the left hand and stick a knife through the neck just back of the lower jaw. The cutting edge of the knife should be turned to the spinal column and the cut be made through the flesh to the bone. In this way it is possible to sever the blood vessels without cutting the windpipe. § 31. Skinning